Employer Nomination Scheme visa - Direct Entry stream (Subclass 186)

be under 45 years old on the date you lodge your application, unless exempt

have at least 3 years relevant work experience, unless you are exempt

You must have at least competent English to be granted this stream of the visa.

You must be nominated by an Australian employer whose business is actively and lawfully operating.

You must apply for the visa within 6 months of the nomination being approved.

We must have approved your employer’s nomination before we can grant you this visa.

we are aware of adverse information about your nominator or any person associated with them, unless it is reasonable to disregard this information, or

the nomination is withdrawn, or

the position is no longer available

We expect that you will work for your nominating employer for at least 2 years if your visa is granted.

You agree to begin your employment within 6 months of:

entry to Australia if you were granted the visa outside Australia

the visa grant date if you were granted the visa in Australia

Your occupation must be on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL).

Unless exempt, most applicants need to have at least 3 years relevant work experience in their occupation.

Applicants who are exempt from the skills assessment requirement are also exempt from the work experience requirement.

You must have received a positive outcome for your skills assessment before you apply for your visa. It cannot have been issued more than 3 years before the date you make your application.

have been nominated as an academic (university lecturer or faculty head at Academic Level A, B, C, D or E) by a university in Australia, or

have been nominated as a scientist, researcher or technical specialist by an Australian government scientific agency, or

currently hold a Special Category (subclass 444) or New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship (subclass 461) visa and have worked for the employer who nominated you, in the nominated position, for at least 2 years in the last 3 years prior to the date you applied for the visa

You must have at least competent English to be granted this stream of the visa.

live, work and study in Australia indefinitely

We expect that you will work for your nominating employer for at least 2 years if your visa is granted.

include family members in your application when you apply

add family members to your application after you apply but before we decide on your visa.

your partner

your dependent child or stepchild

your partner's dependent child or stepchild

the dependent child or stepchild of your or your partner's dependent child or stepchild.

You can also include a subclass 457 visa or subclass 482 visa holder if we granted them that visa as a member of your family. To meet this requirement, they must hold the eligible visa and must be included in your application when you apply.

Family members who apply for the visa with you must meet our health and character requirements.

This is a permanent visa – it lets you stay in Australia indefinitely.

From the date we grant this visa, you can travel to and from Australia for up to 5 years.